Qing Dynasty Vase Tote-Bag

This Tote-bag is inspired by the Burrell Collection's Qing Vase decorated in underglaze blue. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. The central scene is from the Three Kingdoms - the Battle of the Riverlands, a crucial episode in the run up to Cao Cao's defeat at the Red Cliffs. Cao Cao boarded one of the larger ships and planted a banner marked 'supreme commander'. To his left and right are the navel stations stretched along the river and he is surrounded by his attendants. Cao Cao ordered a feast and entertainment for his commanders that evening. The weather was clear and bright, the wind calm and the waves still: Unknown to Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, by magical means, was calling up a wind. This is just prior to the wind beginning, implied by the weather boy at the end of the ship (hanging on a trapeze) and the gods of thunder and storm around the top of the vase.